SCRAP METAL SALVAGE (BOMBED SITES).

asked the Home Secretary whether he will indicate the policy that is being pursued in relation to the disposal of the potential scrap metals still lying untouched, uncut or unsorted in damaged areas; and whether, after due consideration of charges involved and availability of labour and transport, he will issue guidance by circular to the local authorities and others concerned, at an early date, to advise the steps to be taken in the matter for best national utilisation?

Yes, Sir. There is continued need for iron and steel scrap and further arrangements have been made to ensure that full use is made of materials which can be recovered from buildings damaged by air raids which are beyond repair or require demolition on grounds of public safety. Where the recovery of iron and steel by local authorities is incidental to the work of clearance or demolition of damaged sites, the material will be made immediately available to the iron and steel control of the Ministry of Supply. Also, the Ministry of Works and Buildings will act on behalf of the Ministry of Supply in arranging for the salvage of iron and steel from damaged sites which would not otherwise be cleared, and the Ministry of Supply will be responsible for disposal. The Minister of Works and Buildings has already made a preliminary survey of the scrap steel likely to be made available in this way, and a weekly programme of recovery will be arranged.616W
Special arrangements have been made k the London Region and an officer of the Ministry of Supply has been attached to Sir Warren Fisher's organisation specifically to deal with and to expedite the recovery and disposal of iron and steel from bombed sites.